Rising like a cathedral to eduction, the historic Romanesque-styled Central High School of Joliet has a respected reputation for high standards and inspired service. So, consistent with its rich traditions, and reflecting the school’s commitment to caring and community, the students and faculty of the High School’s Academy of Human Services raised $3,300 to pack over 13,000 nutritious meals for local hungry and food insecure children and families in Joliet. These gifts of love were distributed bu students and faculity to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, The Salvation Army, Morning Star Mission, The Spanish Community Center and The Guardian Angel Home. With an enthusiasm usually displayed at homecoming or a prom - and swaying to the rhythm of Lady Gaga hits -140 student volunteers disinfected their hands, put on aprons, hairnets, and gloves, and joined hearts and hands in producing these nutritious, flavorful meals of pasta and cheese - fortified with vitamins, nutrients, and protein - specifically designed to nurture bodies and lift spirits.

While food safety and quality were emphasized during the hands-on training, the experience is designed to be spirited, enriching, fun, and is for many, transformative. Students formed into production lines,assembling meals from bins of pasta and soy, adding cheese packages, and carefully weighing, heat-sealing and then packing into boxes. And when the boxing was complete, joining in a throaty cheer to celebrate their gift of life to those in need.Joliet Central High School (http://www.jths.org/central/) is a respected public secondary school located in Joliet, Illinois dating to 1901. In 1982, the school building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Romanesque styled building was designed by Frank Shaver Allen. The school’s notable alumni have gone on to careers in varied fields from arts and letters to science and technology.The School’s Academy of Human Services focuses on developing the necessary skills to become positive contributors to society and to compete in career pathways in education, government, law and public safety, and social services. Within the academy, students will work to become life-long learners through classroom and service learning experiences